Meet Toni Cacioppo | Chief Parent Officer at XOXO Parents

We had the good fortune of connecting with Toni Cacioppo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Toni, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk-taking is essential for growth—both personally and professionally. If you never take a chance, you’ll never know what could have been. Staying in your comfort zone may feel safe, but it often leads to stagnation. Change and discomfort are where real learning happens.

Throughout my career, I’ve had to take significant risks to build my business and stay ahead of the curve. From investing in new products without knowing how they’d perform to making tough financial decisions, each risk has come with uncertainty—but also the potential for great rewards. Some have paid off tremendously, while others have been lessons in resilience and adaptability.

For me, risk isn’t about recklessness; it’s about calculated decision-making. I gather as much information as possible, trust my instincts, and move forward with confidence. Every challenge I’ve faced has pushed me to think creatively, innovate, and refine my approach. Without taking those leaps, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

At the end of the day, the biggest risk is standing still while the world moves forward. Success comes from embracing uncertainty and having the courage to chase new opportunities—even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business, XOXO Parents, is built on a passion for helping parents simplify their lives. I create innovative, problem-solving products designed to make parenting easier, more organized, and more enjoyable. What sets me apart is not just the products themselves but the excitement and dedication I bring to product development. I love identifying everyday parenting challenges and turning them into practical solutions that truly make a difference.

Getting to where I am today has been anything but easy. As a mom of four, I’ve spent countless late nights working after my kids go to bed, pouring my heart and energy into growing this business. eCommerce is demanding—the rules are always changing, the competition is fierce, and there’s always something new to learn. But I’ve embraced the challenges, knowing that success requires adaptability, resilience, and a willingness to push forward even when things get tough.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of focus. As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to get pulled in a million different directions, but I’ve had to train myself to prioritize what truly moves the needle. I take a lot of pride in my work, and I’ve learned that staying disciplined and intentional is key to long-term success.

Beyond business, giving back to the community is incredibly important to me. XOXO Parents is more than just a brand—it’s about supporting families in every way possible. Whether through donations, partnerships, or simply sharing resources that help parents navigate the chaos of everyday life, I believe in making a meaningful impact.

I also dedicate my time to volunteering as a Girl Scout leader, hoping to inspire the next generation of young entrepreneurs. It’s incredibly rewarding to mentor these girls, teaching them about leadership, creativity, and the power of believing in their own ideas. I want them to see that with passion and perseverance, they can turn their dreams into something real.

More than anything, I want the world to know that my brand is built with love, passion, and a deep understanding of what parents need. This isn’t just a business—it’s a way for me to connect with other parents, offer them real solutions, and remind them that they’re not alone in this journey. Every product I create is designed with care because I know firsthand how valuable a little extra help can be in the chaos of parenting.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Colorado, we’d make sure to hit all my favorite spots—starting with the hot springs because, honestly, there’s nothing better than soaking in mineral pools surrounded by mountain views. But this trip wouldn’t just be about relaxing. We’d pack in plenty of adventure, incredible food (especially tacos and green chili!), and unforgettable experiences.

Glenwood Springs – Since I grew up near Glenwood, this place is a must. We’d start with a soak at Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, the world’s largest mineral hot spring pool, and then head over to Iron Mountain Hot Springs for a more laid-back vibe with killer river views. To work up an appetite, we’d hike Hanging Lake, one of the most stunning spots in the state.

Pagosa Springs – Next stop, Pagosa Springs, home to some of the best hot springs in the state. We’d spend a day at The Springs Resort & Spa, hopping between the different pools right along the San Juan River. If it’s summer, tubing down the river is a must. For even more water time, we’d rent a boat at Lake Navajo, spending the day swimming, tubing, and just soaking up the sun.

Buena Vista – I’ve fallen in love with Buena Vista over the years. We’d start with a soak at Mount Princeton Hot Springs, where you can lounge in natural creekside pools or take in the views from the bigger heated pools.

Denver – To wrap up the trip, we’d spend a day exploring Denver’s best food spots—especially anything featuring green chili, a true Colorado staple. No visit would be complete without catching a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, one of the most iconic venues in the world. And for the final stop? Casa Bonita! As my husband likes to say, it’s a triple threat—food, fun, and family atmosphere. Where else can you eat tacos while watching cliff divers? It’s a one-of-a-kind experience and the perfect way to end an unforgettable Colorado adventure.

No matter what, Colorado never disappoints. Between the hot springs, adventure, and all the tacos and green chili you could ask for, this trip would be one for the books!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I couldn’t have built my business without the unwavering support of my family. My husband has been my rock throughout this journey—eCommerce is a constantly evolving landscape, and staying ahead of the competition is no small feat. Through all the highs and lows, he has always believed in me, offering encouragement when I needed it most and standing by my side as I navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship. His support has been invaluable, and I’m beyond grateful for it.

One of the biggest examples of his unwavering support was when I traveled to China for two weeks for my business. Leaving my four kids and husband behind was no small thing, but knowing I had his full support made all the difference. To feel confident and at ease stepping away from home for such an important business trip was an incredible gift, and I am so lucky to have a husband who not only encourages my dreams but also holds down the fort so I can chase them.

Beyond that, my children have played a huge role in this journey as well. What started as my business has truly become a family endeavor. All four of my kids come with me to the warehouse and help hand-pack some of our products. I cherish that time with them—not just because of their help, but because we’re building something together. Hopefully, they’re learning valuable lessons along the way—about hard work, resilience, and what it takes to turn a vision into reality.

At the end of the day, this business isn’t just about me—it’s about the people who have stood beside me, encouraged me, and made this dream possible. I wouldn’t be here without them, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Website: https://www.xoxoparents.com

Instagram: @xoxoparents

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XOXOParents

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/xoxoparents/